Processor Flushing Circuitry for Power Loss Data Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face data loss due to power loss events, as volatile memory components lose their data content when power is insufficient, leading to inefficiencies and potential data corruption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flushing circuitry within processors that identifies power loss events and selectively powers volatile memory components to flush data content to non-volatile memory, preserving the data state by optimizing power utilization and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If volatile memory components are used to store data content, then memory access speed and processor performance are improved, but data loss occurs during power loss events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting power loss events before complete data loss occurs and initiates a flushing operation to transfer data from volatile memory to non-volatile storage. The power loss event detection circuitry monitors power conditions and triggers the flush operation in advance of total power failure, preserving data that would otherwise be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
A flush operation is introduced as an intermediary process between volatile memory and non-volatile storage. This intermediary mechanism temporarily maintains volatile memory powered during power loss events specifically to enable data transfer, acting as a bridge that resolves the contradiction between fast volatile access and reliable data preservation.
2Reliability
If volatile memory is powered during power loss events to preserve data, then data loss is prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of powering the entire processor or all memory components during power loss events, the system applies power selectively and locally only to the specific volatile memory portions containing data that requires flushing. This localized power application preserves data while minimizing unnecessary power consumption in other system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing power only to the extent necessary for the flush operation - specifically to the detection circuitry and the targeted volatile memory portions - rather than maintaining full system power. This partial power application is sufficient to prevent data loss while avoiding excessive energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If selective powering of volatile memory is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated power loss detection and trigger mechanisms. The power loss event detection circuitry automatically monitors power conditions and initiates flush operations without requiring complex external power management control, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining selective powering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The power loss detection circuitry and flush trigger mechanisms are merged with the existing memory control logic and processor architecture. By integrating these functions into existing system components rather than adding entirely separate control systems, the patent reduces device complexity while achieving selective powering during power loss events.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a processor may include a processor core with a central processing unit as well as a processor cache separate from the processor core. The processor may also include flushing circuitry. The flushing circuitry may identify a power loss event for the processor. In response, the flushing circuitry may selectively power the processor by providing power to the processor cache but not to the processor core. The flushing circuitry may further flush data content of the processor cache to a non-volatile memory separate from the processor.